A pair of inspirational Moray women – who have collectively raised £200,000 to battle illness – were feted as guests of honour at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
Lucy Lintott has amassed more than £100,000 in the fight against motor neurone disease since being diagnosed as Scotland’s youngest sufferer in late 2013, aged 19.
And Sam Simpson, a Buckie High School support teacher, raised a similar sum to combat childhood cancer after her daughter’s diagnosis.
In the run-up to Saturday’s opening ceremonies, MSPs were tasked with selecting “local heroes” from their constituencies to attend the event.
Miss Lintott was invited by Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross, while Moray parliamentarian Richard Lochhead sent an invitation to Mrs Simpson after being flooded with dozens of suggestions on who to bring.
Both women took part in a grand riding procession along Princes Street, before enjoying a close encounter with royalty as the Queen left Holyrood.
Last night, Mrs Simpson spoke of her thrill at gaining the unprecedented opportunity.
She said: “I’ll never get to do something like that again, it was a real one-off experience being so close to the Queen on such a historic day.
“The atmosphere was great, and taking part in all the activities was a real honour.”
Mrs Simpson’s daughter, Isla, was diagnosed with the aggressive childhood cancer neuroblastoma when she was just five months old in 2009.
While her daughter battled the condition, Mrs Simpson became determined to raise charity funds on her behalf.
The youngster went into remission in 2014, but her mum continued her efforts beyond that point,
Lucy Lintott embarked on a mission to highlight MND after receiving news that she had the degenerative condition.
As well as mounting a huge fundraising effort, she has written regular blogs which offer others an insight into the illness.
Mr Ross said the presence of the Garmouth resident gave the day a special significance.
He added: “Lucy’s determination to deal with MND by throwing herself into activities and fundraising is an example to all of us as to how we should live our lives.
“You can’t help but be inspired by everything Lucy has done, and plans to do.
“My day was made a lot more special by having Lucy there and I hope we can continue to work together.”